Retailers and sector bosses talk up various benefits from their fascias
THE fierce competition between rival symbol groups in Scotland shows no signs of abating as we enter 2025.
The ongoing economic pressures and constantly evolving government regulation around the FMCG market means that wholesalers and other fascia operators have had to work hard to ensure that their propositions are the best they can be.
That is good news for retailers who may be considering switching franchise in the early part of this year as a host of convenience channel groups strive to grow their presence in communities nationwide.
And one of the best ways to work out which symbol is the best fit for a business is to take account of what those already running c-stores with particular operators have to say about their offerings.
Senior figures in the wholesalers who run different fascias are also often well placed to provide insights on what makes them the ideal partners for retailers to collaborate with.
Jaz Ali, who runs a highly successful Premier store in Grangemouth, has been sure to take full advantage of the format offered by Booker.
So his store includes the Refresh @ Premier Station featuring a plethora of food and drinks to go options, as well as a Vape Station.
A clear standout for the store is Premier’s Beer Cave, sited next to the counter for easy surveillance and across from the front door so customers can see immediately the breadth of options available.
But Jaz is particularly pleased with the custom radio station that has been set up for him – including external speakers.
Jaz said: “If someone is taking money out of our cash machine, they’re hearing music and hearing about our promotions, and I think this helps to bring them into the shop. It’s not something I’ve seen many convenience stores in Scotland do.”
Girish Jeeva, who runs a hi-tech store at Barmulloch, Glasgow, is also delighted with his store layout and the backing he has received.
He said: “Booker has supported and guided me in this journey and helped put the store on the map. If you want to join a symbol that will work very closely with you, Premier is the best choice.”
Kelly McCulloch is the manager at Spar Market Crosshouse, Kilmarnock, which is operator CJ Lang’s flagship store in Scotland.
Store owners from across convenience are often brought to the outlet when they are considering a move to Spar.
And Kelly believes the fact that the company-owned shop is a Spar Market, with the branding emphasising a focus on fresh options, brings something extra to the table.
She said: “I definitely think that when people see that sign above the door, especially as more stores are added into this format, people will recognise that there is something unique to be found inside.”
Experienced Spar retailer Saleem Sadiq, who owns a store in Renfrew, has said: “I truly believe that I have the Mercedes of symbol groups.
“There is so much knowledge that gets shared between the Spar family. If I were to open another store tomorrow, I wouldn’t think twice – it would have to be Spar.”
With a range of fascias to suit retailers across the spectrum and plans to grow its business, United Wholesale Grocers (UWG) will appeal as a partner to many store operators.
UWG retail director Tom Slaven said: “Our offering has a fit for all, from someone looking for their first step on the affiliated symbol ladder via our Shop Local fascia or, for the more seasoned retailer, with a larger store, we have the Lifestyle Extra fascia.
“We aim to provide a best-in-class service, facilitating good customer service and availability alongside a great shopping experience for all.”
To that end, UWG has evolved its offer for retailers during the last 12 months, with a focus on various categories.
This includes an emphasis on no and low-alcohol products and expansion of the bakery category.
Similarly, the value offering of “Local Living” products is being extended into further categories in response to the ongoing economic pressures.
Bestway retail director Jamie Davison reckons the multiple symbol group operator is the perfect partner for retailers’ business success.
He said: “We don’t just supply our retailers products, our aim is to empower our retailers to thrive.
“We’re a business that offers a robust national delivered and collect solution for our retailers, across multiple supply chains, with competitive rebate terms in the market.
“Using a simple operating model, with a tactical and structured promotional programme, we offer our retailers confidence that they can stand out against competitors in today’s competitive landscape in their local area.”
Davison advised that Best-one suited retailers with a high index for licensed and impulse customers, while Costcutter was good for retailers with a high index for fresh shoppers.
Costcutter retailers have access to more than 2,000 Co-op own brand products, that he said were a high footfall driver.
Wholesaler JW Filshill, the company behind the KeyStore symbol, is celebrating its landmark 150th anniversary this year.
And an impressive set of financial results that the independent food and drink distributor reported last autumn show that it is obviously doing a lot right.
Having moved to its new, purpose-built Westpark Depot, near Glasgow Airport, in 2023, Filshill has been keen to grow its KeyStore estate – and it has been better able to serve long-standing retailers.
Chris Cobb, owner at KeyStore Cults, Aberdeen, and renowned for his tobacco offering, believes the slick ordering system gives him the edge over rivals.
He said: “Since we’re in Aberdeen, the delivery driver will come to us first and work his way back to the depot in Glasgow. So I can put an order in first thing in the morning that can be with us by five o’clock the same day.
“We keep the local service going and ensure our customers know they can trust the store for anything they are looking for, whether this be from the gantry or the newspaper round.”
Entrepreneurial retailer Jay Javed owns and runs an ever-expanding string of Nisa stores across greater Glasgow, with each outlet uniquely tailored to the community it serves.
And the relationship with Nisa is key to the success, as Jay has said: “Nisa gives you the tools to make profits and make the retail journey easier.
“This allows me to focus on expanding the business and Nisa gives us the confidence to roll out further stores.”
Nisa allows Jay to start with a blank canvas. He identifies where stores are needed and converts buildings originally used for other purposes to meet the needs of local shoppers, with layouts that flow well and the right space for each category.
So while once city centre store caters to the needs of students as well cinema and theatre-goers, the flagship store in Cambuslang includes a well thought-out food to go offer to meet the wishes of nearby office workers.
Jay added: “Our customers come from all walks of life – we cater to a wide demographic – and when we open a new store, we adjust our range quite a lot to get it right.
“For me, Nisa is the golden group and a lot of other retailers think that, too.”
Kushnood Mahmood, who runs the award-winning Day-Today Bankton in Livingston, has been keen to praise operator United Wholesale Scotland (UWS) for the strong working relationships it fosters and the tech it offers.
She said: “We already had 14 years of a great relationship with UWS from our previous store and the continued support we’ve had from them since opening this outlet has helped to keep us right.
“We order most of our stock through the UWS app now, which is just fantastic and so simple to use.
“Every time you open it up, it automatically updates to make sure all the right information is there and it shows you the latest UWS promotions.”
Morrisons Daily reckons it can accelerate growth for Scottish franchise partners – who can offer shoppers a broad mix of Morrisons own-brand range, with a focus on fresh lines, and branded products.
The retail group also promises industry-leading store design support, competitive three-weekly cycle promotions, a minimum of four chilled and ambient deliveries a week, and an in-store produced bakery range and hot food to go.
